Big picture: Can GT cope without Buttler?

Before the start of IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans (GT) seemed to have a hole in their batting line-up. They had an excellent top three and a bunch of finishers but the middle order looked thin. GT, though, finished third in the league stage and will now face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Eliminator in New Chandigarh on Friday. The winner moves on to Qualifier 2, one step closer to the final; the loser is eliminated.GT relied heavily on their top three during their run to the playoffs. In most games, at least one of Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler batted so deep that the middle order was barely required. On the rare occasion when they fell relatively early, Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan proved that the perceived hole in the middle order wasn’t so deep.The interruption to the season, however, interrupted GT’s momentum. They were on course for a top-two finish but lost their last two league games and dropped to No. 3. Now Buttler has left for the England duty and GT’s first match without him is the Eliminator. His replacement Kusal Mendis is a fine batter but he is not in the same league. Moreover, he has never played the IPL and his last innings in a competitive game was more than a month ago.Related

• MI's turnaround decoded: death overs tamed, middle overs mastered

GT were perhaps the only franchise to have constructed their squad around their bowling. But with Mohammed Siraj’s form tapering off and Rashid Khan’s never really picking up, their strongest department does not look as strong. In the last three games, they conceded 199, 235 and 230.MI, on the other hand, are a galaxy of stars. But not everyone has been shining as brightly. Suryakumar Yadav is their leading run-getter with 640, but the next best, Ryan Rickelton, is 252 behind. And he is not available for the playoffs. The next on the list is Rohit Sharma with 329.Unlike Mendis for GT, MI’s replacement for Rickelton is an IPL veteran: Jonny Bairstow. Last fortnight, he smashed twin fifties for Yorkshire, albeit in a red-ball game. Will Jacks, who has also left MI for England duty, does not leave behind that big a hole. On current form, their bowling attack also seems stronger than GT’s.GT, though, will draw confidence from having beaten MI in both league games. In fact, MI are yet to beat any of the three other teams in the playoffs. They did have a six-match winning streak in the middle, but after two losses in their last three league games, they no longer appear invincible.3:00

Aaron: Bairstow is one of the replacements of the IPL

Form guide

Gujarat Titans LLWWW (last five matches, most recent first)
Mumbai Indians LWLWW

In the spotlight: Rashid Khan and Jasprit Bumrah

Rashid Khan and Jasprit Bumrah have been T20 cricket’s best spinner and best fast bowler for years now. But they have had contrasting fortunes in IPL 2025. Rashid is having his worst IPL season. In 14 games, he has picked up just nine wickets at an average of 53.66 and an economy of 9.47. The 31 sixes he has been hit for are the joint most for any bowler in an IPL season alongside Siraj in 2022.Bumrah missed the first four matches as he was recovering from a back injury. Despite that, he is joint sixth on the list of highest wicket-takers this season. He has taken 17 at an average of 14.64 and economy of 6.33, both a personal best for him in an IPL season.Jasprit Bumrah is having his best IPL season•Getty Images

Team news and likely XIIs

Mendis replacing Buttler could be the only change for GT.Gujarat Titans (probable): 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 M Shahrukh Khan, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Gerald Coetzee, 9 Arshad Khan, 10 R Sai Kishore, 11 Mohammed Siraj, 12 Prasidh KrishnaBairstow coming in for Rickelton is a straight swap. Choosing between Charith Asalanka and Bevon Jacobs for Jacks could be trickier, but Asalanka’s offspin could tilt the decision in his favour.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Charith Asalanka/Bevon Jacobs, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Naman Dhir, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Jasprit Bumrah, 12 Karn Sharma

The big question

Pitch and conditions

New Chandigarh has not dished out consistent pitches this season. In the four games played there before the playoffs, a team lost after making 201 and a team won after scoring 111. In Qualifier 1, Punjab Kings (PBKS) were all out for 101 on a surface that helped both seamers and spinners, but it will be a fresh pitch for the Eliminator. The weather forecast for Friday is likely to be cloudy, but there is no indication of rain.

Key stats

• In the IPL, Hardik Pandya has dismissed Gill four times in 23 balls while giving away only 19 runs.
• Mendis has struggled against Mitchell Santner in T20 cricket – four dismissals in 39 balls for just 34 runs.
• Across all T20s, Suryakumar has taken Rashid for 117 runs in 77 balls without a dismissal. Rashid has dominated his match-up against Hardik, though: 32 runs in 44 balls, two dismissals.
• Tilak Varma has faced seven balls from Prasidh Krishna in the IPL. He’s been dismissed twice and hasn’t scored a run.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had an eventful few years off the pitch, cashing in on a number of star players in the transfer window.

Despite several high-profile departures, Wolves’ total annual payroll for their players stands at £72,400,000, with the average first-team player collecting more than £2.25m per season. Here is a look at what those at Molineux are paying their players individually, as per Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

Rank	Player	Wage per week	Wage per year
1	Joao Gomes	£105,000	£5,460,000
2	Jorgen Strand Larsen	£95,000	£4,940,000
3	Emmanuel Agbadou	£85,000	£4,420,000
4	Toti Gomes	£80,000	£4,160,000
=5	Tolu Arokodare	£75,000	£3,900,000
=5	Jean-Ricner Bellegarde	£75,000	£3,900,000
=7	Hee-chan Hwang	£70,000	£3,640,000
=7	Marshall Munetsi	£70,000	£3,640,000
=9	Jhon Arias	£65,000	£3,380,000
=9	Jackson Tchatchoua	£65,000	£3,380,000
=11	Jose Sa	£60,000	£3,120,000
=11	Andre Trindade	£60,000	£3,120,000
13	Boubacar Traore	£55,000	£2,860,000
=14	Matt Doherty	£50,000	£2,600,000
=14	Sam Johnstone	£50,000	£2,600,000
16	Ladislav Krejci	£45,000	£2,340,000
=17	Ki-Jana Hoever	£40,000	£2,080,000
=17	Santiago Bueno	£40,000	£2,080,000
=19	David Moller Wolfer	£30,000	£1,560,000
=19	Yerson Mosquera	£30,000	£1,560,000
21	Boubacar Traore	£27,500	£1,430,000
=22	Rodrigo Gomes	£25,000	£1,300,000
=22	Hugo Bueno	£25,000	£1,300,000
=22	Fer Lopez	£25,000	£1,300,000
=25	Sasa Kalajdzic	£20,000	£1,040,000
=25	Daniel Bentley	£20,000	£1,040,000
27	Enso Gonzalez	£15,000	£780,000
=28	Tawanda Chirewa	£10,000	£520,000
=28	Nathan Fraser	£10,000	£520,000
=30	Nigel Lonwijk	£8,000	£416,000
=30	Matheus Mane	£8,000	£416,000
=30	Dexter Limbikisa	£8,000	£416,000

Here's a detailed look at Wolverhampton Wanderers' top 10 earners…

10

Jackson Tchatchoua

£65,000 per week

Defender Jackson Tchatchoua made the move to Wolves from Hellas Verona for just over £10m in 2025.

Known as the fastest player in Serie A prior to his move to the Midlands, Tchatchoua is on £65,000 per week.

9

Jhon Arias

£65,000 per week

Also on £3.38m per season is another new signing from 2025 in forward Jhon Arias.

Those at Molineux paid £15m to sign the Colombia international from Fluminense, and he is under contract until 2029.

8

Marshall Munetsi

£70,000 per week

Marshall Munetsi joined Wolves at the beginning of 2025 from French side Reims in a deal worth around £15m.

That figure was a record for a Zimbabwean, and the midfielder is set to pick up £3.64m per year until 2028.

7

Hee-chan Hwang

£70,000 per week

After turning out in the Red Bull Group with RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig, Wolves signed forward Hee-chan Hwang in 2021, with a move becoming permanent a year later.

The South Korea international has proven to be a versatile and reliable final third option at Molineux and could stay until 2028.

6

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

£75,000 per week

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde arrived at Wolves from French side Strasbourg in 2023 and now picks up £75,000 per week at Molineux.

The versatile midfielder has been a regular since arriving at the club and is under contract until 2028.

5

Tolu Arokodare

£75,000 per week

Tolu Arokodare was Wolves’ most expensive signing during the 2025 summer transfer window, costing £24m from Genk.

The Nigerian striker penned a four-year contract on just under £4m per season.

4

Toti Gomes

£80,000 per week

Defender Toti Gomes joined Wolves back in 2020 and, in recent years, has become a regular in the first-team at Molineux.

His displays were rewarded with an improved contract in 2024, which saw his wage dramatically increase to £4.16m per season.

3

Emmanuel Agbadou

£85,000 per week

On slightly more than Gomes is another defender in Emmanuel Agbadou.

Signed from Reims at the beginning of 2025, the Ivory Coast international is under contract in the Midlands until 2029.

2

Jorgen Strand Larsen

£95,000 per week

Jorgen Strand Larsen’s loan move became permanent in 2025 from Celta Vigo, however, the striker’s stay at Molineux was nearly short-lived amid interest from Newcastle United.

Instead, Strand Larsen signed a new deal with the Old Gold on just under £5m per season until 2030.

1

Joao Gomes

£105,000 per week

Wolves’ top earner is midfielder Joao Gomes, who has enjoyed a brilliant rise following his move from Flamengo in 2023.

Now a Brazil international, Gomes is the only Wolves player on more than £100,000 per week.

You could forgive Liverpool supporters for having been concerned that Jurgen Klopp’s departure in the summer of 2024 would lead to a period of decline at Anfield.

The German led the club back to glory during his spell that lasted more than nine years, winning the Premier League and the Champions League during his tenure.

You only have to look at Arsenal and Manchester United since the departures of Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson to see how an exit like that can be tough to recover from, as neither of those clubs have won a Premier League title without Wenger or Ferguson.

However, Arne Slot arrived from Feyenoord to replace Klopp in the dugout and hit the ground running by winning the league title in his first year at Anfield.

The Dutch head coach was a breath of fresh air in the Premier League last season with his side’s gung-ho approach to matches. They were incredibly fun to watch.

One of the players who has benefitted the most from the managerial change from Klopp to Slot is defensive midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has been transformed over the past 18 months or so.

How Arne Slot saved Ryan Gravenberch's Liverpool career

Liverpool signed the Netherlands international from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 to bolster their options in the middle of the park, but he endured a frustrating first season at Anfield.

Gravenberch only started 12 of his 26 appearances in the Premier League under Klopp and mainly played as the left-sided central midfielder, tasked with getting forward to support the attack.

It was a role that did not suit the Dutch midfielder and his performances in that position led to his future at Anfield being thrown into doubt. Turkish giants Galatasaray were even linked with a move for his services in April 2024.

However, Slot’s arrival at the club later that summer saved Gravenberch’s career at the club, because the head coach correctly profiled where he would be best, at the base of the midfield as a number six.

Appearances (starts)

26 (12)

37 (37)

Pass accuracy

83%

89%

Assists

0

4

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.5

3.4

Clearances per game

0.4

1.5

Ground duel success rate

47%

56%

Aerial duel success rate

42%

65%

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman started all 37 of his appearances in the Premier League after being moved to a defensive midfield role, and his statistics show that it was a tactical move that paid off in a big way.

Gravenberch started all 49 of his appearances in the 2024/25 campaign for the Reds and earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year for his performances as a number six.

The 23-year-old star looks set to be a key player for Slot and Liverpool for many more years to come, after a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign with two goals and two assists so far, per Sofascore.

As well as having the man himself, Liverpool also have an impressive teenage central midfielder who has the potential to be a homegrown version of Gravenberch in the future.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Trey Nyoni started in the middle of the park for the Reds against Championship side Southampton on Tuesday night and the contrast in his performance in the first half to the second half was akin to Gravenberch’s development throughout his career at Anfield.

Why Trey Nyoni may be Liverpool's next number eight

As an academy graduate who plays in central midfield, the 18-year-old star may have his eyes set on grabbing the number eight shirt from Dominik Szoboszlai in the future.

The Hungary international is the star who currently wears it, but it was academy graduate Steven Gerrard who really gave it meaning with his 186 goals in 710 matches for the club in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

Nyoni has mainly donned the number eight shirt at youth level for Liverpool, which suggests that he is a fan of the number, and as a homegrown talent from the academy, he may want to emulate even a small percentage of what Gerrard achieved with the number eight shirt at Anfield.

Despite this, it is the number six position where Nyoni’s future may lie after what he showed on the pitch against Southampton in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

The England U19 international started the game as a number ten behind Alexander Isak, but did not look suited to playing that position. However, when Curtis Jones came off for Conor Bradley after 57 minutes, Nyoni dropped deeper and took control of the game.

Minutes

90

Pass accuracy

96%

Passes completed

43/45

Key passes

0

Duels won

2/4

Clearances

3

Blocks

1

Tackles + interceptions

3

Dribbled past per game

0x

As you can see in the table above, his statistics looked much more like what you would expect from a defensive midfielder than a number ten, playmaker, type.

Nyoni did not register any shots on target or create any chances for his team whilst playing as a number ten, but his defensive contributions and reliability as a passer when dropped into a deep-lying role proved that he has a future as a number six.

As Liverpool-focused writer Lewis Bower noted after the match, the 18-year-old talent looked far more “influential” when he dropped into a deeper midfield position, rather than as an attacking midfielder.

His metronomic passing in the middle of the park coupled with his defensive strength suggests that he may have the potential to develop into the next Gravenberch in the future, as he is five years younger than the Dutchman.

Gravenberch’s Liverpool career took lift-off after being moved from an attacking or central midfield position to being a number six. Nyoni’s attributes suggest that a similar positional change could forge a future for him in the first-team at Anfield.

That could, therefore, set him on his path to earn the number eight shirt at Liverpool, as he looks to follow in Gerrard’s footsteps from the academy to first-team fame.

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Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez sparked debate by saying Carlos Vela's record-setting 2019 campaign was more impressive than Lionel Messi's current Golden Boot-winning season, despite the Argentine's contributing to 48 goals in just 28 appearances. Vela scored 34 goals and contributed to 49 goals in 31 games in 2019.

Getty Images SportCompetitive rivalry with Zlatan

Despite acknowledging Messi's statistical brilliance in 2025, the ESPN FC analyst gave the nod to Vela's 2019 season when comparing the two campaigns. The 2019 season featured a compelling race between Vela and Zlatan Ibrahimović. The Mexican international finished with 34 goals while the Swedish star had 30.

"I’m going to lean Carlos Vela,” Gomez said on the Futbol Americas podcast. “And only for one reason and one reason only – Carlos Vela had a nemesis that year. He had an actual rivalry and the league was better for it… And the games they had against each other? It made Carlos Vela better. There is nobody making Messi better. There is nobody to rival Lionel Messi, to even be the nemesis of Lionel Messi.

"And because of that, I think the narrative here is that it’s kind of boring. Messi is doing what he does and there’s no drama. The only drama is well, will he finally do what we all think they’re going to do – win MLS Cup?”

AdvertisementGomez acknowledges Messi's dominance

The former USMNT striker praised Messi after his Decision Day hat-trick, which sealed the Golden Boot race. He contrasted the Argentine with former MVP Hany Mukhtar and 2025 Golden Boot contender Sam Surridge, saying neither could truly compete with Messi.

"Surridge was in the fight for the Golden Boot and Hany Mukhtar is a former Golden Boot and former MLS MVP of this league – and they’re still not at the level of a Messi," he said. "He’s beyond any player in this league. Despite his age he just takes over. This is a player who is fighting for the Golden Boot, is fighting to break records, scores his first penalty in this game… And he’s also giving penalties away to his teammates, to players trying to make a name for themselves on the team.

"So he’s giving up goal contributions. And for us, it's like we’re looking at him making history here – but he’s looking at it as another day in the office."

Messi reshapes MLS record books

While Gomez favored Vela's season for its narrative appeal, Messi's 2025 regular-season campaign was historically dominant by nearly every statistical measure. His 1.03 goals-per-game average ranks second only to Vela's 2019 campaign (1.10) among Golden Boot winners since 2005. Twenty-eight of Messi's 29 goals came from open play – the most in a season in league history by three goals.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also became the first player in MLS history to record 10 multi-goal games in a season, breaking the previous mark of eight.

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Getty Images SportDebate highlights evolution of MLS

As Inter Miami prepares for a playoff matchup against the same Nashville SC side that Messi dominated on Decision Day, the Argentine's continued excellence at age 38 has redefined expectations for what's possible in MLS.

Washington Freedom cruised to victory in their modest chase with quick knocks from Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Maxwell

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2025Seattle Orcas had no answers to fast bowler Ian Holland’s variations as they slumped to 145 for 9, which Washington Freedom chased down with 39 balls to spare. Holland finished with career-best T20 figures of 4 for 19 to restrict Orcas after a flying start, before Rachin Ravindra set up the chase at the top and Glenn Maxwell finished things off with an unbeaten 38 off 20.Orcas were in a strong position of 66 for 1 at the end of the powerplay as MLC debutant David Warner and his opening partner Kyle Mayers peppered boundaries. Warner stood outside the crease to bash the ball around while Mayers went 6, 4 and 4 off consecutive deliveries against Glenn Phillips in the fifth over to power Orcas past 50.Warner, however, holed out in the next over for 31 off 17. Mitchell Owen then removed Mayers on the first ball after the powerplay for 27 that brought out Orcas captain Henrich Klaasen for his first game since announcing international retirement.But it all went downhill for Orcas once Holland came on in the tenth over. A flurry of slower deliveries ended the over with Klaasen’s wicket as he ended up holing out to deep backward square leg for 17.Aaron Jones took on Holland in his third over, starting with back-to-back boundaries before three more slower deliveries fetched Holland two wickets, of Jones and Harmeet Singh. In his last over, another slower legcutter removed Cameron Gannon and Orcas were reeling at 120 for 7. Sikandar Raza’s 26-ball stay couldn’t get him more than 15 runs as Jack Edwards and Saurabh Netravalkar bowled frugal spells in the death.Freedom were hardly bothered in the modest chase. Ravindra started with his serene drives on off and down the ground while Owen muscled the ball around in his 11-ball stay for 25. Ravindra kept the sixes coming as he and Andries Gous propelled them to 90 for 1 in the powerplay, which ended with three sixes off Gannon.Gous was foxed by Waqar Salamkheil for 16 as soon as the field spread out and Ravindra was trapped lbw by Obed McCoy for 44 off 18 next over with the help of a review. Maxwell, who went through a drought of runs in the IPL – 48 runs in just six innings before getting injured – turned his form around by smashing Salamkheil for 6, 4 and 4 off consecutive deliveries in the ninth over which eased Freedom’s nerves again.Freedom lost two more wickets before Maxwell struck more boundaries and Mukhtar Ahmed sealed victory with a four in the 14th over.

Whilst many opt for either the Saudi Pro League or the MLS these days, there remains a select few players who have decided to drop down divisions to complete some of the most unexpected moves away from the Premier League.

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The best players in the Premier League right now.

2 ByBen Goodwin Dec 4, 2025

We’ve seen players go from Liverpool to the Isthmian League and even watched on as Paul Konchesky joined Billericay Town as a player before becoming the assistant manager there alongside Jamie O’Hara. So, it’s not always the sunny beaches of Miami that come calling. Ocassionally, it’s a cloudy away day at Southend.

Andy Carroll has also made some interesting moves over the years. The 36-year-old has reiterated time and time again that he simply wants to play football rather than chase a higher paycheck. He revealed that “it’s never been a question of money” when asked about his move to fourth-tier French side Girondins Bordeaux.

Now playing at Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League South, the former Newcastle United striker has stayed true to that verdict and has since watched on as others have followed in his path.

Perhaps in the most unexpected move yet, however, one former Liverpool player has now been spotted playing for a United Arab Emirates third division side, having only been a Premier League midfielder two years ago.

Shelvey opens up about shock third-division move

Jonjo Shelvey didn’t quite get the memo of moving to the likes of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the chance to earn a life-defining amount, did he? In fact, he’s done the complete opposite. The former Liverpool midfielder has made the move – playing for Arabian Falcons in the third division – but revealed that his “brother earns more” working in a London hotel.

To put into context the difference in his earnings from 2023 to now, Shelvey reportedly brought in around £75,000-a-week at Nottingham Forest. Based on his verdict about the current pay in the UAE third division, it would take him around four years to earn that amount these days.

That said, like Carroll, it’s not about the money from Shelvey. He’s enjoyed the highs of his career, from Anfield to St James’ Park, and is now enjoying the quiet life whilst still playing the game he loves.

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo não se vê ameaçado no Corinthians. Mesmo com a pressão exercida sobre a diretoria nos últimos para o desligamento do treinador, ele acredita que terminará o seu contrato com o clube alvinegro, que vence em dezembro. 

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Para Luxa, o seu futuro está atrelado ao desempenho na Copa Sul-Americana, competição em que o Timão está na semifinal. Ele não acredita em mudança antes que, pelo menos, o confronto de ida aconteça. O adversário é o Fortaleza. 

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A primeira partida está marcada para o dia 26 de setembro, na Neo Química Arena. Antes, a equipe do Parque São Jorge terá dois compromissos em casa pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, contra Grêmio e Botafogo. Ambos os adversários estão no G4 do Brasileirão, o segundo é o líder da competição.

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A condição dos rivais ameaça ainda mais Luxemburgo para antes do primeiro jogo decisivo pela Sula. Em caso de derrotas com desempenho ruim, a pressão por uma demissão do técnico pode se tornar insustentável, fazendo com que Vanderlei nem chegue ao jogo do dia 26. 

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

CONFIANÇA NOS ‘REFORÇOS’

Luxemburgo, no entanto, está tranquilo e acredita em bons desempenhos contra Grêmio e Botafogo, principalmente por conta do retorno de alguns atletas que estiveram fora do último compromisso, que foi a derrota justamente para o Fortaleza, mas pelo Brasileirão. Contra os gaúchos estão previstas as voltas de Fagner, Fábio Santos e Renato Augusto (que cumpriam um cronograma de condicionamento físico), Matías Rojas (de volta da seleção paraguaia) e Maycon (que retorna após cumprir suspensão). O volante Fausto Vera ainda é dúvida, por conta de um incômodo muscular na coxa.

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Luxa, inclusive, pretende fazer valer o fator casa até o fim da temporada. Não só por conta da torcida, mas a ideia é utilizar os jogadores mais velhos e com a parte física mais comprometida o máximo de tempo possível na Neo Química Arena, onde sabe que tem potencial maior de vitória. A ideia será usar os confrontos fora de casa para preservar a maior parte desses atletas. Principalmente quando se tratar de trajetos mais longos.

Para terminar o ano com sucesso em campo, Vanderlei também já iniciou um processo de ‘bandeira branca’ com o núcleo de saúde e performance. Recentemente, o treinador teve uma discussão forte e acalorada com o fisioterapeuta Bruno Mazziotti, que comanda o departamento. O problema foi presenciado por alguns jogadores e funcionários do clube. Os atletas, no entanto, deram razão a Mazziotti e isso é um fator que contribuiu para a pressão que o técnico vem sofrendo atualmente. 

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Mesmo discordando de muitos métodos da equipe de saúde, Luxemburgo pretende trabalhar em conjunto com o setor. O comandante corintiano, inclusive, descartou o conselho de pessoas próximas de expor publicamente as diferenças com Bruno Mazziotti. Outra recomendação que não foi seguida por Luxa foi a de que ele pedisse demissão, pois estaria servindo de escudo para a diretoria. 

SONHO CONTINENTAL 

A grande motivação para Vanderlei Luxemburgo ‘insistir’ no Corinthians é a possibilidade de conquista da Copa Sul-Americana. O treinador está muito confiante nas chances de vencer o torneio. Ele confia no potencial de montar uma estratégia e motivar os seus jogadores em uma competição mata-mata e tem se assegurado nisso. 

+ Confira a tabela do Campeoato Brasileiro no Lance!

Luxa sabe que dificilmente ficará no Timão em 2024, independentemente do resultado da eleição, que acontecerá no fim deste ano. E ganhar um título continental será um feito histórico para ele, que nunca venceu uma competição internacional por clubes – ainda que seja considerado campeão da Libertadores pelo Palmeiras, em 2020, porque dirigiu o clube na primeira fase. Além disso, o técnico acredita que será um recado importante para o mercado a fim de seguir trabalhando em grandes clubes. 

Vanderlei não abandonará o Campeonato Brasileiro, mas enxerga a competição nacional mais controlada estando a cinco pontos de distância da zona do rebaixamento, aberta pelo Santos. O profissional vê ameaça de queda muito mais distante do que quando chegou ao clube, em maio.

أسفرت قرعة دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2025-2026 عن وقوع نادي شبيبة القبائل الجزائري في مجموعة قوية تضم الأهلي والجيش الملكي المغربي ويانج أفريكانز التنزاني، في واحدة من أكثر المجموعات إثارة وتوازنًا على الورق.

وفي تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات، تحدث كريم دودان، المدير العام لنادي شبيبة القبائل، عن القرعة وحظوظ فريقه في البطولة، مؤكدًا احترامه الكبير للنادي الأهلي وبقية المنافسين، مع إصرار الفريق الجزائري على الظهور القوي والمنافسة حتى آخر لحظة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مواعيد مباريات الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2025-2026

وقال دودان: “المجموعة التي وقعنا فيها صعبة للغاية، فهي تضم الأهلي والجيش الملكي ويانج أفريكانز، إلى جانب شبيبة القبائل”.

وأضاف: “أعتقد أن مجموعتنا هي الأصعب بين جميع المجموعات، وستكون المنافسة قوية جدًا بين الأندية المشاركة”.

وتابع المدير العام للفريق الجزائري: “شبيبة القبائل نادٍ يملك تاريخًا عريقًا في البطولات الإفريقية، وسننافس بكل قوتنا في هذا الدور، ونسعى لأن تكون لنا كلمة في نهاية المطاف إن شاء الله”.

وأردف: “لا يخفى على أحد أن الأهلي هو الأكثر تتويجاً في هذه البطولة، كما أن الجيش الملكي ويانج أفريكانز يملكان بدورهما قوة كبيرة في المنافسة”.

كما قال: “نطمح أن ننافس حتى النهاية في هذه البطولة، وهناك مباراة خاصة أمام الأهلي، سبق أن واجهناه عام 2010، وهو فريق قوي يضم لاعبين مميزين وقاعدة جماهيرية كبيرة، تمامًا مثل شبيبة القبائل”.

واختتم دودان تصريحاته لـ بطولات قائلاً: “نأمل أن يكون فريقنا مستعدًا من جميع الجوانب، وفي النهاية الفريق الأقوى هو من سيتأهل في هذه المنافسة”.

Juventus are in advanced talks with ex-Italy and Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti to replace Igor Tudor, who was sacked after a dismal run of results. The Bianconeri view Spalletti as the ideal figure to lead their rebuild, with negotiations already underway following the club’s decision to appoint Massimo Brambilla as interim boss.

• Juventus move swiftly after Tudor dismissal

  Juventus have wasted no time in identifying a successor following the sacking of Igor Tudor on Monday. The Croatian's reign came to an abrupt end after an eight-game winless run culminated in a 1-0 defeat to Lazio, leaving the club’s leadership with little choice but to act. Tudor, who replaced Thiago Motta in March, had initially secured Champions League qualification and earned a contract extension until 2028, but his side’s poor start to the new season proved costly.

  Massimo Brambilla, coach of Juve’s Next Gen side, will take charge on an interim basis for the Serie A midweek clash against Udinese. However, the club are determined to secure a long-term solution quickly, and all signs point to Spalletti emerging as the frontrunner to take the job.

  According to , the former Napoli and Italy boss is understood to be open to returning to club management after stepping down from the national team earlier this year. With his proven track record in Italian football and tactical pedigree, Spalletti’s profile fits Juventus’ desire to rebuild stability and identity after years of managerial turnover.

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  Spalletti emerges as Juventus’ top target

  According to reports, the Bianconeri have already made initial contact with Spalletti’s camp. Talks have reportedly begun through an intermediary, with the club receiving positive feedback from the 66-year-old, who is said to be “open and enthusiastic” about the idea of taking over in Turin. Juve have proposed an initial six-month contract with an option to extend, potentially linked to Champions League qualification. Spalletti, meanwhile, is believed to prefer a longer deal of around 18 months but remains flexible as discussions continue.

  Having guided Napoli to their first Scudetto in over three decades during the 2022-23 season, Spalletti’s reputation as one of Serie A’s most tactically astute managers remains strong. His work with younger players and attacking philosophy align with Juventus’ recent attempts to refresh their squad under sporting director Damien Comolli.

  Spalletti’s experience with Roma, Inter, and Napoli adds weight to his candidacy, while his brief but turbulent spell with the national team ending after Italy’s early Euro 2024 exit means he is eager to prove himself once more at club level.

• Juventus’ managerial shortlist: Mancini, De Rossi, Xavi and more

  While the former Azzurri manager remains the leading candidate, the Old Lady are also exploring several alternatives as they evaluate both sporting and financial options. Roberto Mancini, another high-profile Italian coach and former Italy boss, is one of the names on the club’s radar. Although currently out of work, Mancini’s salary demands and recent departure from Italy’s national setup could complicate negotiations.

  Another potential candidate is Raffaele Palladino, a former Juventus player and free agent following his spell at Fiorentina. The 41-year-old has been endorsed by sporting consultant Francesco Modesto, who previously worked with him at Monza. Palladino would represent a more financially sustainable choice compared to Spalletti, especially with the club still paying off Thiago Motta’s contract, which runs until 2027.

  According to , the Serie A giants are also keeping tabs on Daniele De Rossi, Xavi Hernandez and Edin Terzic as part of a broader contingency plan. However, sources close to the club insist that Spalletti remains the clear favourite, with talks described as “progressing positively.”

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  Spalletti appointment could be sealed soon

  Juventus’ immediate focus will be on steadying results under interim boss Brambilla while negotiations with Spalletti advance behind the scenes. The Bianconeri face Udinese in midweek before taking on Cremonese in Serie A and Sporting CP in the Champions League – two crucial fixtures that could shape the timing of the new coach’s arrival.

  The club’s hierarchy are pushing for a swift agreement, ideally finalising Spalletti’s appointment before the big clash against Sporting. Talks are said to be progressing positively, with both sides eager to reach common ground on contract terms and duration.

  For Juve, the move would mark the beginning of yet another rebuild but one guided by a proven Serie A winner whose tactical acumen and leadership could reignite their domestic and continental ambitions. For Spalletti, it represents a chance at redemption and a return to the elite stage after a challenging summer with Italy.

Tottenham return to action against Aston Villa on October 19 once this round of international fixtures ends, with Thomas Frank looking to build upon an unbeaten run which has stretched their last seven games in all competitions.

Spurs were forced to dig deep in their last outing at Elland Road, securing a 2-1 win over newly-promoted Leeds United and ending the Yorkshire side’s year-long unbeaten run at home in the league.

Leeds United 1-2 Tottenham – best players

Match Rating

Mohammed Kudus

8.4

Mathys Tel

7.8

Noah Okafor

7.0

Sean Longstaff

7.0

Jayden Bogle

6.8

via WhoScored

Player of the match, Mohammed Kudus, was once again a nightmare to deal with in the wide area and looks like the Lilywhites’ best summer signing thus far alongside Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha.

Mathys Tel also staked his claim for a starting nod over fellow striker Richarlison, and he rewarded Frank’s faith with their opening goal as Dominic Solanke continues to work his way back from minor ankle surgery.

Despite concerns surrounding some of Tottenham’s performances against lesser sides, with the North Londoners stealing draws in dramatic fashion against the likes of Brighton, Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, it has been a very solid start to life for Frank overall.

14 points from seven Premier League games has Spurs sitting third in the table with the joint second-best defensive record in the top flight, and only league leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer league goals than them so far.

It is a far cry from the defensive frailties which haunted Ange Postecoglou’s version of Tottenham last season, with Frank’s new-look side displaying a real grit and resilience to see out needed results.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been vital to Tottenham’s solidarity, with pundit Jamie O’Hara even suggesting that they’re the best centre-back partnership in the world right now.

Spurs’ full-back options have also impressed for the most part, and ex-defender Sergio Reguilon would’ve certainly struggled to battle his way back into the team.

The Spaniard is now a free agent after being forced to leave the club when his contract expired in July, but according to reports, he’s now closing in on a free transfer to the MLS.

Sergio Reguilon in advanced talks to join Inter Miami after Tottenham exit

According to ESPN and other reliable media sources, Reguilon is in advanced talks to join Inter Miami as he finalises a switch to David Beckham’s MLS franchise.

The 28-year-old did attract rumoured interest from West Ham and Everton, but it is Javier Mascherano’s side that have won the race to snap up the ex-Real Madrid starlet at zero cost.

Reguilon’s five-year stint at Tottenham was a mixed bag, with the former Sevilla man spending time out on loan at Brentford and Man United during his time there.

Postecoglou could barely find a place for Reguilon, despite the odd appearance during Tottenham’s injury crisis last season, and he was still allowed to leave on a free soon after Frank’s appointment in June.

Interestingly, Tottenham’s new boss briefly worked with him at the Gtech Community Stadium and actually praised Reguilon after he put pen to paper on a move there — calling him a “proven” Premier League player and a “perfect fit” for his former side.